The world of electric vehicles is really heating up, with many luxury electric crossovers now on the market. Though these cars are still more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts, they’re grabbing attention with their features. The Tesla Model Y is one of the pioneers in this segment, boasting Tesla’s signature design, advanced software, and more. On the other hand, the Volkswagen ID.4, which debuted in 2021, also provides an impressive electric car experience.
So, can the ID.4 hold its own against one of the best-selling electric cars? Let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison.
First off, let’s talk design. The Tesla Model Y sticks closely to the company’s established aesthetic. It features slanted headlights and an overall minimalist look. While Tesla’s design hasn’t changed much over the years, the Model Y still manages to look sleek and modern.
The ID.4, in contrast, doesn’t quite match up in terms of modernity. It’s not an ugly car, but it lacks the refined look of the Model Y and other top electric vehicles like the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Ford Mustang Mach-E. It has a more conservative, traditional design, featuring a rounded roof and a light bar at the back. Although I’m not a fan of the overall design, I do appreciate the light bar touch. Design preferences are subjective, so feel free to disagree, but in my opinion, the Tesla Model Y takes the crown here.
When you move to the interiors, the differences in design philosophy continue. The Model Y maintains its minimalist, modern look, whereas the ID.4 opts for a more traditional approach. Tesla has received some criticism for relying too much on touchscreen controls, while the ID.4 offers plenty of physical steering wheel controls for easier access. You still need to use the screen for climate controls in both cars.
Tesla takes a lead in technology as well. The company has put significant effort into creating a top-notch software experience. While the infotainment system is one of the best, the ID.4’s system feels dated and is more difficult to navigate. However, the ID.4 does support CarPlay and Android Auto, unlike Tesla. Still, the Model Y sports a larger infotainment display. Additionally, Tesla offers advanced features like security cameras and more autonomous driving tech, even though some of these features come at an extra cost. Overall, Tesla wins in this category as well.
When it comes to performance, both the Model Y and ID.4 offer multiple powertrain options. The base Model Y accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds, while the Performance model does it in an impressive 3.5 seconds, with horsepower ranging between 425 and 455. The ID.4, however, falls short. Even the fastest ID.4 Pro S Plus takes 5.8 seconds to reach 60 mph, with horsepower between 201 and 295. The Tesla Model Y clearly wins in performance.
Range is another critical factor. The Tesla Model Y offers a solid range: 279 miles for the base model and up to 330 miles for the Long Range version. The ID.4 is lower, with the base model offering 209 miles and the Pro S achieving up to 275 miles. Another advantage for Tesla is its expansive network of Superchargers. The Model Y can charge from 10% to 80% in 27 minutes with its 250-kilowatt charging capacity. The ID.4 supports a 135-kilowatt charging speed, taking around 33 minutes to achieve the same charge. Again, Tesla comes out on top.
Where the ID.4 catches a break is in pricing. The Tesla Model Y starts at $47,740, while the ID.4 begins at a more budget-friendly $38,995. This can be a significant deciding factor for those looking to save some money. So, in terms of price, Volkswagen takes the win.
All in all, this comparison was always going to be challenging for Volkswagen. Even if you set aside subjective aspects like design, the Tesla Model Y still outperforms the ID.4 in several key areas, including range and charging speed. However, these features come at a higher cost. If you don’t mind spending the extra money, the Model Y is likely the better option. But if budget is a primary concern, the ID.4 remains a solid electric vehicle choice.